Thanks everyone, wonderful to see discussion on DX, clearly project has captured some interest and raised many questions some of which I at this moment in time do not have the answers.
Taken on board your comments / concerns re: hull & mast stress
Sailcloth longevity and suitability for purpose is obviously of concern to us all and why at the project inception a great deal of research was undertaken to give this project which is on a limited budget the best initial chance of success, there are no guarantees other than time / hours of DX on the water.
As the final sail area has not yet been fully detemined due to on-going development unable to give you an approx handicap, however, I have arranged at Carsington to race the coming season off the Sting handicap of 860, because we sail against the catamaran handicap fleet all my results at the end of each series will be scratched but the data collated will invaluable.
Loan sails? great idea and would really help us all to evaluate DX project, however, the real issue here is funding!!!
More news on DX project in next eddition of NewSprint.
Watch this space, not long to wait for DX